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Stop Throwing Out Used Coffee Grounds: 10 Brilliant Hacks to Use Them Around the House
Used coffee grounds may seem like nothing more than a mess to dispose of, but you’re missing out on their potential! Before you toss them in the trash, consider these 10 brilliant hacks to make the most of your leftover coffee grounds. From cleaning and gardening to beauty treatments, these humble grounds have countless uses that are both eco-friendly and practical. Let’s dive into the many ways you can repurpose your used coffee grounds around the house.
1. Natural Fertilizer for Your Garden
Coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen, a key component of fertilizer, making them an excellent addition to your garden soil. Simply sprinkle the used grounds directly onto your garden bed or mix them into the compost bin. The grounds help improve the soil’s structure, enhance drainage, and provide nutrients for plants. They also attract earthworms, which are fantastic for soil health.
Tip: Use coffee grounds in moderation, as too much can make the soil too acidic for certain plants. They’re great for acid-loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, and tomatoes.
2. Natural Pest Repellent
Coffee grounds can help keep pests at bay. Their strong scent repels insects such as ants, snails, and even mosquitoes. Simply scatter the used coffee grounds around the perimeter of your garden, or place small piles near doorways and windows to discourage pests from entering your home.
Tip: If you’re dealing with a slugs or snail infestation, place the grounds around your plants. They will find the grounds abrasive and avoid crossing them.
3. DIY Scrub for Cleaning
The coarse texture of used coffee grounds makes them an excellent abrasive cleaner. You can use them to scrub away grease, grime, and stubborn stains in your kitchen or bathroom. Simply sprinkle some grounds on a damp sponge or scrub brush and clean surfaces like countertops, stovetops, ovens, and sinks. They are particularly useful for cleaning greasy pots and pans.
Tip: Mix coffee grounds with a little dish soap to create a paste for tougher cleaning jobs, like removing soap scum or stains from tiles.
4. Deodorize Your Home
Coffee grounds are known for their ability to absorb odors, which makes them an effective natural deodorizer. Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds in your fridge, trash can, or even your car to eliminate unpleasant smells. They work wonders for neutralizing odors in shoes, gym bags, and closets as well.
Tip: Put coffee grounds in a socks or pantyhose and tie it off to create a natural air freshener bag. Hang it in your closet or car to keep things smelling fresh.
5. Exfoliating Scrub for Your Skin
Coffee grounds make for an excellent exfoliant in homemade scrubs. The coarse texture sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Mix used coffee grounds with a bit of coconut oil, honey, or yogurt to create a nourishing body scrub. The caffeine in coffee grounds is also said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving circulation.
Tip: Be gentle when scrubbing to avoid irritation, and always test on a small patch of skin first.
6. Hair Treatment to Remove Product Build-up
Coffee grounds can also help clarify your hair by removing product build-up. Mix the used grounds with your shampoo and massage it into your scalp and hair. The grounds gently exfoliate your scalp, while the caffeine can stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth. It’s a great natural alternative to harsh clarifying shampoos.
Tip: Don’t use coffee grounds on color-treated hair, as the exfoliating action might cause the color to fade faster.
7. Repel Cats and Dogs from Your Garden
If you have a problem with neighborhood pets digging in your garden or flower beds, coffee grounds can help keep them away. The strong scent of coffee is unpleasant to cats and dogs. Simply scatter used coffee grounds around your garden or flower beds to deter pets from making a mess.
Tip: If you don’t want to make a mess, you can also sprinkle the grounds into a plastic mesh bag and hang it in your garden to keep pets at bay.
